Media Contacts

Dave Townsend

Media Relations
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (mobile)

Backgrounders

Facts about the Recruitment, Retention and Innovative Skills Training Program

The Recruitment, Retention and Innovative Skills Training Program is part of the Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative, strengthening B.C.’s food security and economy.

  • This program is supported by $15 million from the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
  • In 2022, more than 73,000 people worked in the agriculture, food and beverage processing and seafood sectors in B.C.
  • During the next eight years, an increase in job opportunities is anticipated in several job positions, such as the B.C. tree fruit and vine industry, and the greenhouse and nursery industry.
  • Eligible applicants for the Recruitment, Retention and Innovative Skills Training Program include:
    • agriculture, agri-food and/or seafood industry organizations;
    • Indigenous groups, local governments, organizations and communities engaged in the agriculture, seafood and/or agri-food industry;
    • A partnership of producers, processors, non-profit organizations, industry associations, employer organizations, and/or Indigenous groups, organizations or communities.
  • Individual producers or processors are not eligible to apply individually. However, two or more producers or processors may apply in partnership.